New South Wales fishers and aquaculturists can now access a State Officer appointed by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to enhance information exchange with end users and increase research uptake and development (R&D).

Fisheries scientist Kris Cooling, based in Coffs Harbour, has been appointed to work with Aboriginal, commercial and recreational fishers and aquaculturists as the NSW representative of the FRDC’s new National Extension Officer Network.

Kris has worked in a wide range of fisheries and aquaculture roles since completing his studies in Marine Science and Management at Southern Cross University in 2011.

He has worked for the NSW Department of Primary Industries as a technician and researcher and as an observer on commercial fishing vessels, as a technician in a trout hatchery; as a research assistant for universities and as a floor manager for one of Australia’s largest tackle shops.

FRDC Director General Dr. Patrick Hone says extension workers help increase FRDC’s engagement with grassroots people.

“We established the network in response to feedback from our stakeholders, who said they wanted more regionally-based staff to help accelerate uptake of R&D results and drive practice change,” said he declared.

“The general mission of extension officers is to work with people and stakeholders to scale up R&D outputs that meet user needs, integrate their contributions into R&D priorities, and bring people together to solve problems,” says -he.

“They are looking for solutions to regional problems in a way that they can be adapted across the country and will help all stakeholders draw on past, current and future research to find workable solutions.”

Kris grew up in Taree and is an avid fisherman, scuba diver and surfer. He has volunteered on studies of cuttlefish behavior, coral health and aquatic conservation projects with traditional owners in the Northern Territory.

He enjoys connecting fishers and other stakeholders to relevant research and is keen to use their knowledge and innovations in regional and national projects.

“There is an existing stable of research that would be extremely beneficial to people involved in fisheries and aquaculture, but they are busy and don’t have time to sift through the scientific literature to find a solution that works for them,” says -he.

“Meeting people face-to-face is really valuable, even if it’s just about tipping pots at the local fishing co-op.”

“Everyone I have met so far has been very positive about the relationships and opportunities this role could bring them. There are so many fantastic opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture and I am very happy to ‘be part of it,’ says Kris.

Highlights:

· NSW residents who are involved in fisheries and aquaculture now have a new state-based contact for R&D.

· Fisheries scientist Kris Cooling works with grassroots people to gather feedback on R&D priorities and drive uptake of research results.

· Nathan is based in Coffs Harbor and grew up in Taree.

About Us:

The FRDC invests in research, development and extension activities to increase economic, social and environmental benefits for Australian fisheries and aquaculture and the wider community.

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